Oc/ o 



r 



moving north in numerous flocks, which were scattered about as far out as one could see. In 

 their flight they resemble the larger geese, but fly swifter than those, and in more irregular 

 order, seldom, unless flying at a great altitude, forming a long line of flight. Though shy I have 

 not found it so wary as the larger species of Geese ; and occasionally some of the flocks would 

 permit a very near approach, though as a rule they seemed to keep well out of gunshot-range. 

 When flying they frequently utter a harsh goose-like call, one flock seeming to answer the other ; 

 and at some distance the confused noise reminds one strongly of a pack of hounds in full cry. 



The Brent Goose swims with ease, and very fast, its general appearance when on the water 

 resembling that of its larger allies. I have seen it when in shallow places searching after food 

 with the head and neck extended down below the surface, but do not recollect to have ever seen 

 one dive — though Thompson says that they do dive, but remain only a short time below the 

 surface. 



The present species feeds on grasses, sea-weed, small shell-fish, and marine insects — chiefly, 

 however, on the former ; and, like the larger Geese, it is frequently seen grazing on grassy places 

 near the shore. It sometimes also visits the arable land and stubble-fields in search of corn, and 

 is said to evince a preference for oats. 



The Brent Goose breeds in high latitudes, in the northern portions of Greenland and 

 Spitzbergen, making a somewhat bulky nest of grass and moss lined with a dense bed of down, 

 in which the eggs, five in number, are placed. I give above a full account, from the pen of 

 Captain Feilden, of the nest and breeding-habits of this Goose in the Arctic regions. 



In my collection are eggs of the Brent Goose from Greenland and Spitzbergen, which are 

 creamy white in colour, smooth in surface of shell, and measure from 2|^ by lf§ and 2f^ by 

 1U to 2f$ by lf£ inch. 



The specimen figured, on the same Plate with the Barnacle Goose, is the adult bird above 

 described. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 

 a,juv. Skara, Sweden, autumn (Meves). b, 6 , c, ? . Point Lepreaux, New Brunswick, April 7th (H. E. D.). 



2D 



